
Israel has announced it will deport the pro-Palestinian activists who were aboard vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, intercepted by its naval forces as they sailed toward Gaza, to Europe.
The Israeli foreign ministry said on Thursday that the activists were safe and in good health: “Hamas-Sumud passengers on their yachts are making their way safely and peacefully to Israel, where their deportation procedures to Europe will begin.”
Among those detained was Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, who was part of the flotilla. In a pre-recorded message released in anticipation of interception, Mandela declared: “I’m a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the state of apartheid Israel. I call you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release.”
The South African delegation of the flotilla condemned the interception, accusing Israeli forces of carrying out an attack in international waters to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.
In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla said the vessels had been ambushed, with Israeli forces deploying drones and water cannons to halt them. “These actions represent yet another attempt to silence voices of solidarity and to prevent even the smallest lifeline of relief from reaching Gaza. This is illegal under international law,” the organisation said, stressing that their mission was strictly humanitarian and peaceful.
The incident adds to mounting tensions over aid access to Gaza, with rights groups arguing that Israel’s actions violate international law and further restrict humanitarian relief to the besieged territory.
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